On April 7, Siena College will host their Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King Lecture Series on Race and Nonviolent Social Change. This series is dedicated to a man of vision and peace, and should present opinions and policies that best portray the namesake of the series. Lecturers should honor the man whose vision of racial equality through peaceful means changed the direction of civil rights. Through Dr. King’s teachings, our country began a healing process that has culminated in the election of the fi rst African-American president in history. It has come to my attention and disbelief that a gentleman named Van Jones will give the presentation at this year’s lecture series. His beliefs are directly opposite of Dr. King’s. Mr. Jones’ lectures border on treason and sedition. In time of turmoil, watching people in the Middle East overthrow despotic dictatorships, is it right to present a person whose views are in opposition to our hard-fought democracy? I think not, and neither does Dr. King’s niece, Dr. Alveda King, who marched with him and was also jailed with her uncle. Why wasn’t this beautiful and blessed woman invited to present the true beliefs of Dr. King? It appears ironic that, after Siena was granted the largest federal grant of any college in the United States — $2 million — this invitation was announced. I hope the college and its alumni will review their policy on lecturers and invite someone who truly represents the dream of Dr. King.
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